Annual Conference
Conference Session
2016-11-13
"Going Garbanzo: Plant-Powered Recipe Demo and Discussion"Key Areas: Nutrition
Session: Session G - Sunday, November 13th: 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Platinum 4
Speaker(s): Kristie Middleton - Senior Food Policy Director, The Humane Society of the United States
Lauren Pitts - Registered Dietitian, Food Policy Coordinator, The Humane Society of the United States
Objectives: Objective 1: Attendees will learn practical how-tos for increasing their plant-based options, including adding vegetarian options or implementing a plant-strong program that fits within their framework.
Objective 2: Attendees will learn about resources available to make their meat-free options a success - from recipe development and staff training to marketing materials to how to keep the momentum going with students and staff.
Objective 3: Participants will learn several vegetarian options that can help increase profits and participation and improve environmental sustainability.
Description: According to The United Nations, 2016 is the International Year of the Pulses. Pulses-dried peas, lentils, and chickpeas, are this year's super foods. Packed with protein and fiber, low in fat, cholesterol-free, and inexpensive, they're a great meat alternative and increasingly popular with students. In light of childhood obesity concerns and to help set schoolchildren on a healthy path, there's a compelling need for more vegetarian entrees with a focus on plant-based proteins. Come learn why and how dozens of California school districts are doing Meatless Monday, Lean & Green, and other plant-forward programming, and the resources available including easy and fun recipe ideas for schools from those with full kitchens to those with limited staff and equipment.
Speaker Bio(s):
Kristie Middleton - The Humane Society of the United States
Speaker Bio:
Kristie Middleton is the senior director of food policy for The Humane Society of the United States. She has helped dozens of corporations, hospitals, and other institutions improve the plight of farm animals through humane-minded purchasing programs. Today she oversees the HSUS' meat reduction efforts. She has worked with some of the nation's largest school districts, including Los Angeles Unified School District, Detroit Public Schools, and Boston Public Schools, to implement Meatless Monday. Her work has been covered by national media, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and CNN. She completed a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies in August 2014.
Lauren Pitts - The Humane Society of the United States
Speaker Bio:
Lauren Pitts is the food policy coordinator and registered dietitian for The Humane Society of the United States. She has successfully worked with several schools, hospitals, universities, and other institutions to implement healthier, more sustainable plant based meals. In these mutually-beneficial partnerships, Lauren introduces these institutions to plant-based foods through recipe planning, chef trainings, and marketing support. Prior to working with HSUS, Lauren focused on individual nutrition counseling and corporate wellness. Working to improve public health, the environment and animal welfare is Lauren's passion and is what drives her every day. Lauren is the Congressional Ambassador Coordinator for the Public Policy Council of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Webinar Chair for the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group.
Upcoming CSNA Events
November 13-16, 202472nd Annual Conference
April 6-8, 2025
Legislative Action Conference
May 4-6, 2025
Child Nutrition & Industry Summit
